Territory Plan amended to allow higher density development in Lawson

A VARIATION to the Territory Plan commenced earlier this month that allows higher density urban development in the new suburb of Lawson. It also aims to protect open spaces and natural features such as the foreshore of Lake Ginninderra.

Chief Planning Executive, Neil Savery, said the variation, prepared by ACT Planning and Land Authority (ACTPLA), will guide the future subdivision planning and design of the new suburb, which is bounded by Ginninderra Drive and Baldwin Drive in north-east Belconnen.

He said the variation was developed after community consultation and was subject to the Legislative Assembly processes.

"Lawson will be a well-connected, integrated and compact neighbourhood, where residential densities are higher than surrounding established suburbs, providing more sustainable development and housing choice," Mr Savery said.

"The location of Lawson close to the University of Canberra and Belconnen Town Centre makesthis an ideal location for higher residential densities to be developed."

It is expected that there will be up to 1,850 dwellings in the southern part of Lawson. A range ofhousing types will be permitted, including three to six storey apartments near Lake Ginninderra,two storeys around Reservoir Hill and up to three storeys elsewhere.

The variation applies to ACT Government owned land in the south of Lawson. The northernarea of Lawson, containing the former Belconnen Naval Transmitting Station, is currently controlled by the Department of Defence.

The first release of land for subdivision in Lawson is expected to begin in 2011.